WO2017158403A1

WO2017158403A1 - A biological air purifier and a method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2017158403A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/052528
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dr. Neelu NAWANI; Neeta SALGAONKAR; Priti YEWALE; Prasad THAKARE; Abul Mandal
Original assignee: NAWANI Dr Neelu
Priority date: 2016-03-18
Filing date: 2016-05-04
Publication date: 2017-09-21

Abstract

The present invention provides a biological air purifier (100) comprising an 5 adsorbent (102) having plurality of natural biomaterials. The adsorbent (102) is configured to react with plurality of air pollutants. Further, the plurality of natural biomaterials of the adsorbent (102) are configured to adsorb the plurality of air pollutants. A method (200) for manufacturing the biological air purifier (100) is also provided.

Description

A BIOLOGICAL AIR PURIFIER AND A METHOD THEREOF

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to air purification and more particularly to a biological air purifier and a method thereof for purification of air using natural biomaterials and/or microorganisms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, air pollution has become a major threat to survival of mankind. Air pollution is release of harmful materials into atmosphere which eventually affects human health as well as ecosystem. Air pollution can be classified as outdoor pollution and indoor pollution. Outdoor air pollution is caused due to obnoxious vehicular emissions, industrial emissions or burning of waste, agricultural residues and forest fires etc. Indoor air pollution is restricted to closed spaces in houses, industries, public areas etc. and is mainly caused due to use of biomass fuel or coal for cooking and heating purposes, or due to smoking of tobacco. Harmful pollutants include particulate matter, oxides of Carbon (COx), oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), oxides of Sulphur (SOx), ozone, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), metals and free radicals etc. which deteriorates ambient quality of air thus, causes human discomfort.

Conventional methods of air purification involve use of finely meshed filters, activated carbon, photocatalytic oxidation and polarized media electronic air cleaners etc. All these techniques deliver fair amount of performance in reduction of the particulate matter and organic compounds in the air. However, these techniques are expensive to implement and require constant supply of power. Also, need to replace filters frequently adds to the overall costs and discourages the public at large to use such devices.

There have been a number of solutions provided for improved and efficient air purifiers and few of them have been discussed below:

US4073686 provides an air purifier for removal of organic smoke particles from air. A column containing an air-pervious filter material sprayed with enzymes and dispersed bacteria is provided. When the air is made to pass through the column, organic material is hydrolyzed by the enzymes and then metabolized by the bacteria.

Another method of purification of air is disclosed in US5351438A. The disclosed planter container is provided with a plurality of vent pipes extending from bottom to top of the container. The vents facilitate the flow of air throughout the root growth medium, exposing air to micro-organisms. The micro-organisms act to reduce the volatile organic compounds from the air.

Yet another method of purification of polluted air is disclosed in US7736419B2. The disclosed method involves purification of the polluted air by passing the air through a fluidized bed. The fluidized bed comprises micro-organism-containing particulate media. As the air passes through the fluidized bed, the organic pollutants in the air are decomposed by the micro-organisms.

The aforesaid documents and similar disclosures which talk about varied air purifiers comprise of number of shortcomings and drawbacks such as, but not limited to, not being able to reduce inorganic pollutants in the polluted air. Further, effective metabolizing of the organic pollutants is achieved as long as balanced growth of the microorganism is maintained. Presence of noxious materials in the polluted air, shift in temperature or pH may disrupt the critical balanced growth which may be impossible to re-establish. Also, the existing air purifiers are complex and involve cumbersome parts affecting market commercial applications.

Accordingly, there remains a need in the prior art to have an improved air purifier which overcomes the aforesaid problems and shortcomings.

However, there remains a need in the art for a biological air purifier and a method thereof. The biological air purifier is capable of removing both organic and inorganic pollutants from the air. Further, the biological air purifier is cost effective, recyclable and environmental friendly. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a biological air purifier for purification of air. Further, another object of the present invention is to employ microbial biomass and/or natural biomaterials for adsorption of air pollutants. Yet another object of the present invention is to prepare an adsorbent by combining the natural biomaterials (alone or in combination) and the microbial biomass (alone or in combination) in the form of a solid porous material, powder, gel, spray, cake, card, filter, wearable masks or a combination thereof. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing of the biological air purifier. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the biological air purifier which is cost effective, ecofriendly and recyclable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a biological air purifier and a method thereof for purification of air. The disclosed biological air purifier employs an adsorbent having natural biomaterials and/or microorganisms for the adsorption of air pollutants such as organic and inorganic pollutants and thus improves air quality. Further, the biological air purifier comprises a carriage assembly. The carriage assembly may be reused for longer durations until the carriage assembly breaks or needs repair. Also, the biological air purifier is easy to operate, cost effective, recyclable and environmental friendly.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the biological air purifier comprising an adsorbent having plurality of natural biomaterials. Further, the adsorbent is configured to react with plurality of air pollutants. Also, the plurality of natural biomaterials of the adsorbent are configured to adsorb the plurality of air pollutants.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the adsorbent further comprises a microbial biomass capable of adsorbing the plurality of air pollutants.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the biological air purifier further comprises a carriage assembly. The carriage assembly comprises a plurality of support meshes and clamping means. Further, the plurality of support meshes are held together with a coupling means. Preferably, the carriage assembly is made up of, but not limited to, stainless steel, polypropylene or any other suitable material.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the carriage assembly is reusable.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the adsorbent is recyclable. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the adsorbent is assembled in, but not limited to, a biodegradable receptacle. Further, the biodegradable receptacle is selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of biodegradable pouches, sachets, wrappers and bottles.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the adsorbent is provided in a form of, but not limited to, a solid porous material, powder, gel, spray, cake, card, filter, wearable masks or a combination thereof.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of natural biomaterials is derived from lignocellulosic waste and marine waste. The lignocellulosic waste is selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of non-edible plant parts, plant waste, fruit waste, vegetable waste and a combination thereof. Further, the marine biowaste is selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of aquaculture waste, farms waste, seafood waste, weeds, aquatic plants and a combination thereof.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the microbial biomass is selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of live biomass of non-pathogenic and safe microbes. Further, the non-pathogenic and safe microbes are selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of bacteria, fungi, algae and a combination thereof.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the microbial biomass is selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of live inactivated biomass of non-pathogenic and safe microbes. Further, the non-pathogenic and safe microbes are selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of bacteria, fungi, algae and a combination thereof.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method for manufacturing the biological air purifier comprising the steps of providing plurality of natural biomaterials and forming an adsorbent from the plurality of natural biomaterials.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method for manufacturing the biological air purifier further comprising the steps of cultivating microbial cells in a growth media, harvesting the microbial cells to obtain the microbial biomass, drying the microbial biomass at a predetermined temperature and combining the plurality of natural biomaterials and the microbial biomass to form the adsorbent.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of natural biomaterials is derived from lignocellulosic waste and marine biowaste. The lignocellulosic waste is selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of non-edible plant parts, plant waste, fruit waste, vegetable waste and a combination thereof. Further, the marine biowaste is selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of aquaculture waste, farms waste, seafood waste, weeds, aquatic plants and a combination thereof.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined temperature is in the range of, but not limited to, 40°C to 60°C. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the adsorbent is provided in a form of, but not limited to, a solid porous material, powder, gel, spray, cake, card, filter, wearable masks or a combination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular to the description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

These and other features, benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following text figure, with like reference numbers referring to like structures across the views, wherein:

Fig. 1 illustrates a biological air purifier in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates the biological air purifier attached to an exhaust of a vehicle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing the biological air purifier in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a graph showing adsorption of pollutant gases that arise from burning of cow dung by an adsorbent of the biological air purifier in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 (a) and (b) are graphs showing adsorption of the pollutant gases that arise from exhausts of vehicles by the adsorbent of the biological air purifier in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, a number of materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" means "at least one" and the word "plurality" means "one or more" unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including", "comprising", "having", "containing", or "involving" and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the likes are included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. In this disclosure, whenever an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase "comprising", it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element or group of elements with transitional phrases "consisting of", "consisting", "selected from the group of consisting of", "including", or "is" preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.

Referring to the drawings, the invention will now be described in more detail. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a biological air purifier (100), as shown in figure 1 , comprising an adsorbent (102). Further, the adsorbent (102) is a Biosmotrap.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the adsorbent (102) comprises plurality of natural biomaterials. Further, the plurality of natural biomaterials is derived from lignocellulosic waste and marine waste. The lignocellulosic waste is selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of non-edible plant parts, plant waste, fruit waste, vegetable waste and a combination thereof. Further, the marine biowaste is selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of aquaculture waste, farms waste, seafood waste, weeds, aquatic plants and a combination thereof.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the adsorbent (102) further comprises a microbial biomass. The plurality of natural biomaterials is combined with the microbial biomass. The microbial biomass is selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of live biomass of non-pathogenic and safe microbes. Also, the microbial biomass is selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of live inactivated biomass of non-pathogenic and safe microbes. Further, the non-pathogenic and safe microbes are selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of bacteria, fungi, algae and a combination thereof.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the adsorbent (102) is configured to react with plurality of air pollutants. Further, the plurality of natural biomaterials present in the adsorbent (102) are configured to adsorb the plurality of air pollutants such as, but not limited to, smoke, aerosols, particulate matter, flue gases, soot or other air pollutants. Also, the microbial biomass of the adsorbent (102) is capable of adsorbing the plurality of air pollutants. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the adsorbent (102) is provided in a form of, but not limited to, a solid porous material, powder, gel, spray, cake, card, filter, wearable masks or a combination thereof.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the biological air purifier (100) further comprises a carriage assembly (104). The carriage assembly (104) comprises a plurality of support meshes (106) and clamping means (108). The plurality of support meshes (106) are held together with a coupling means such as, but not limited to, a hinge. The clamping means (108) are, but not limited to, spring clamps. Further, the clamping means (108) are attached to a vent. Also, the size of the clamping means (108) may be customized in accordance with the size of the vent or based on application of the carriage assembly (104). Furthermore, the carriage assembly (104) is a Biosmotrap assembly.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the carriage assembly (104) is made up of, but not limited to, stainless steel for applications involving high temperatures. Further, the carriage assembly (104) is made up of, but not limited to, polypropylene or other related materials. Preferably, transparent polypropylene is used for general non-thermal applications. Also, the size and shape of the carriage assembly (104) may be varied depending on the size of the vent where it is to be installed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the adsorbent (102) is configured to be supported in the carriage assembly (104). The plurality of support meshes (106) of the carriage assembly (104) held together with the coupling means forms an enclosed space to hold the adsorbent (102) of the biological air purifier (100). The plurality of support meshes (106) are interlocked with each other after placing the adsorbent (102) to securely hold the adsorbent (102). Further, the carriage assemble (104) is reusable. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the adsorbent (102) is assembled in a biodegradable receptacle. The biodegradable receptacle is selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of biodegradable pouches, sachets, wrappers and bottles. Further, the biodegradable receptacle may or may not require carriage assembly (104) based on application and intended use of the biodegradable receptacle.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the adsorbent (102) is placed near the source of the air pollutants in order to effectively adsorb the plurality of air pollutants. Further, color of the adsorbent (102) changes gradually as the adsorbent (102) gets saturated with the plurality of the air pollutants such as smoke or other pollutants. Further, the color gradually changes to, but not limited to, brown to brownish black which indicates the need to replace the saturated adsorbent with a fresh adsorbent (102). Also, shelf life of the adsorbent (102) depends on concentration of the plurality of air pollutants.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the saturated adsorbent is recyclable and can be reused after processing.

Figure 2 illustrates the biological air purifier (100) attached to an exhaust of a vehicle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in figure 2, the adsorbent (102) is assembled in the carriage assembly (104). The carriage assembly (104) includes the plurality of support meshes (106), clamping means (108), and fastening means (110). The plurality of support meshes (106) are interlocked with each other and securely holds the adsorbent (102). The fastening means (110) are, but not limited to, screws. Further, the carriage assembly (104) is attached to an exhaust (112), vent, chimney or any outlet from where the plurality of air pollutants are released, with the help of the clamping means (108). The fastening means (110) secures the clamping means (108) and thus, couples the carriage assembly (104) with the exhaust (112).

Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method (200) for manufacturing a biological air purifier (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

At step 202, the plurality of natural biomaterials are provided. The plurality of natural biomaterials is derived from the lignocellulosic waste and marine waste. The lignocellulosic waste is selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of non-edible plant parts, plant waste, fruit waste, vegetable waste and a combination thereof. Further, the marine biowaste is selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of aquaculture waste, farms waste, seafood waste, weeds, aquatic plants and a combination thereof.

At step 204, the adsorbent (102) is formed from the plurality of natural biomaterials. Further, the adsorbent (102) is provided in a form of, but not limited to, a solid porous material, powder, gel, spray, cake, card, filter, wearable masks or a combination thereof.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of natural biomaterials are used in, but not limited to, powder form and natural form. Further, the powder form of the plurality of natural biomaterials may be, but not limited to, coated, filled and packed on the natural form of the plurality of natural biomaterials. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method (200) further comprising the steps of cultivating microbial cells in a growth media, harvesting the microbial cells to obtain a microbial biomass, drying the microbial biomass at a predetermined temperature and combining the plurality of natural biomaterials and the microbial biomass to form the adsorbent (102).

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the growth media is selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of Luria agar (LA), colloidal chitin agar, potato dextrose agar or BG-11 . Alternatively, Luria broth, colloidal chitin broth, potato dextrose broth or BG-11 broth may be used. The microbial cells are selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of live cells of non-pathogenic and safe microbes. Further, the microbial cells is selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of live inactivated cells of non-pathogenic and safe microbes. Also, the non-pathogenic and safe microbes are selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of bacteria, fungi, algae and a combination thereof. Furthermore, the live inactivated or dead biomass may be used based on need and application of the microbial cells.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined temperature is in the range of, but not limited to, 40°C to 60°C. Alternatively, the microbial biomass is autoclaved and then dried, based on the intended use. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the mixture of the plurality of natural biomaterials and the microbial biomass is made such that the microbial cells remain compact or trapped in the plurality of natural biomaterials to avoid release of any microbial cells in atmosphere. Further, the microbial cells become inert when mixed with the plurality of natural biomaterials.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the adsorbent (102) is provided in a form of, but not limited to, a solid porous material, powder, gel, spray, cake, card, filter, wearable masks or a combination thereof. In case of sprays, the microbial cells are not used.

Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be provided for more detailed explanation.

Examples

Materials and Methods

1 . Preparation of an adsorbent

Any microbes that belong to GRAS (generally recognized as safe) category and are non-pathogenic can be used. For preparation of the adsorbent, microbial cells such as algae were grown in a sterile growth medium, BG-11 and incubated in sunlight at an ambient temperature in the range of 25°C to 32°C till sufficient biomass was obtained as desired. Fresh medium was added to the existing culture to maintain continuous supply of nutrients. Thereafter, the algal cells were harvested to obtain the microbial biomass using a sterile spatula or strainer. The algal cells were dried at 60°C until of constant weight. Alternatively, the algal cells were exposed to a temperature of 121 °C for 10 mins at 15 psi and dried at 40°C. In case of GRAS category algae, cells were dried at 40°C until constant weight and can be directly used for preparing the adsorbent. Further, the natural biomaterial such as dry sponge gourd (luffa) was coated with the algal biomass. Alternatively, a powder of the dry natural biomaterial is made and mixed with the dried algal cells based on further application. Porosity of the sponge gourd allows proper coating of algae and gives a filter bed that traps the plurality of air pollutants. Later, for ease of process, the sponge gourd was added to the BG-11 medium containing active cells of the algae which led to the natural coating or adherence of the sponge fibres with active algae. The sponge and algal cells were then dried at 40°C-60°C until constant weight and made in desired shape for further use.

Alternatively, for the preparation of the adsorbent, the plurality of natural biomaterials are dried in sunlight until constant weight. The dried plurality of natural biomaterials are grounded in an ordinary crusher and grinder to decrease the particle size and for higher adsorption rate. Further, each of the plurality of natural biomaterials are mixed in equal proportions to form the adsorbent.

Example 1

Cow dung was burnt in a partially closed assembly (cook-stove with a glass enclosure on top) which had a vent to release smoke. At zero mins prior to burning the cow-dung, levels of gases (carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide) were measured with a portable flue gas analyzer. The cow-dung was burnt for 65 mins in total, and after 20 mins of burning, the "Biosmotrap-LA" was placed at the vent of the partially closed assembly and the levels of gases were measured for another 70 mins. Example 2

A petrol driven Euro Stage II A-segment car was used for testing a "Biosmotrap-LAV" developed for four wheeler exhausts capable of decreasing emission of harmful gases from the exhausts. Reading on the odometer was 128935 km for this vehicle. The "Biosmotrap-LAV" was attached at the mouth of the exhaust of the vehicle. Emission levels were recorded before attaching the biosmotrap and after attaching the biosmotrap at the mouth of the exhaust. The biosmotrap was kept attached to the mouth of the exhaust upto 160 km of run and the emission levels were recorded after every 20 to 30 km. Levels of carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide were measured with the portable flue gas analyzer.

Results

Figure 4 is a graph showing adsorption of pollutant gases that arise from burning of cow dung by the adsorbent of the biological air purifier in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in figure 4, levels of the gases were very high and when the "Biosmotrap-LA" was placed at the exhaust, there was a 21 fold decrease in level of carbon monoxide, 9.3 fold decrease in nitric oxide, 378 fold decrease in sulphur dioxide. Nitrogen dioxide levels were at zero ppm at all the time. Figure 5 (a) and (b) are graphs showing adsorption of the pollutant gases that arise from exhausts of vehicles by the adsorbent of the biological air purifier in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure 5(a) and 5(b), the levels of gases were very high without the biosmotrap, but when the "Biosmotrap- LAV" was placed at the mouth of the exhaust, levels of carbon monoxide decreased by 80% immediately, and nitric oxide decreased by 51 % (figure 5a), nitrogen dioxide levels decreased by 33% whereas sulphur dioxide levels were at zero ppm at all the time (figure 5b). Further, the "Biosmotrap-LAV" remained attached to the exhaust throughout the run time of 160 km and lowest values were recorded after run of 45 km with 96.5% decrease in carbon monoxide than the value recorded without the biosmotrap. At this run time, nitric oxide decreased by 93%, nitrogen dioxide levels decreased by 100% whereas sulphur dioxide levels were at zero ppm at all the time. After 140 km runtime, values were not consistent and were higher than those recorded after 45 km run time, however the values remained lower than those recorded without the biosmotrap. After 160 km, the carbon monoxide was 423 ppm which was 66% lesser than values without the biosmotrap, nitric oxide was 52.6% lesser (figure 5a), levels of nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide were zero ppm indicating 100% decrease in the levels than those recorded without the trap (figure 5b). After readings of 160 km were recorded, the "Biosmotrap-LAV" was removed and the readings without the biosmotrap were recorded. The readings for carbon monoxide and nitric oxide were higher than those recorded with the biosmotrap and were closer to the initial values when the biosmotrap was not attached at Ό' km runtime remarking the values returned to nearly same levels as recorded at beginning of the experiment. 0 km runtime indicates the point where this experiment was begun.

Conclusion

A biological air purifier for purification of air has been successfully developed by using an adsorbent in the form of solid porous material, powder, gel, spray, cake, card, filter, wearable masks or a combination thereof. The adsorbent utilizes natural biomaterials and/or microorganisms for the adsorption of air pollutants. Further, the biological air purifier involves carriage assembly which can be reused for longer durations until the carriage assembly breaks or needs repair and the adsorbent can also be replaced at repeated intervals of time. Also, the biological air purifier is cost effective and environmental friendly. In addition, the biological air purifier may be used for household purposes or in public places as cards, gels, hanging assembly, sprays, pouches, sachets, wrappers, bottles, filters in vents, etc. Also, it may be used in industries as smoke trappers, filters in exhausts or vents or flue-stacks, or as masks for preventing occupational hazards.

The exemplary implementation described above is illustrated with specific shapes, dimensions, and other characteristics, but the scope of the invention includes various other shapes, dimensions, and characteristics. For example, the adsorbent in the form of solid porous material, powder, gel, spray, cake, card, filter or a combination thereof could be of particular shape and of appropriate sizes. Also, the adsorbents as described above could be manufactured in various other ways and could include various other materials, including various other natural biomaterials and microbial biomass.

Similarly, the exemplary implementations described above include specific examples of natural biomaterials, microbial biomass etc. but any other appropriate natural biomaterials or microbial biomass, alone or in combination, could be employed.

Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying drawings. The principles associated with the various embodiments described herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the description is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown along with the accompanying drawings but is to be provided broadest scope consistent with the principles and the novel and inventive features disclosed or suggested herein. Accordingly, the invention is anticipated to hold on to all other such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the present invention and appended claims.

Claims

I claim:

1 . A biological air purifier (100), comprising:

an adsorbent (102) having plurality of natural biomaterials;

wherein said adsorbent (102) is configured to react with plurality of air pollutants; and

wherein said plurality of natural biomaterials of said adsorbent (102) are configured to adsorb said plurality of air pollutants.

2. The biological air purifier (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said adsorbent (102) further comprises a microbial biomass capable of adsorbing said plurality of air pollutants.

3. The biological air purifier (100) as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a carriage assembly (104).

4. The biological air purifier (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said carriage assembly (104) comprises a plurality of support meshes (106) and clamping means (108).

5. The biological air purifier (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said plurality of support meshes (106) are held together with a coupling means.

6. The biological air purifier (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said carriage assembly (104) is reusable.

7. The biological air purifier (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said adsorbent (102) is recyclable.

8. The biological air purifier (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said adsorbent (102) is assembled in a biodegradable receptacle.

9. The biological air purifier (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said biodegradable receptacle is selected from a group consisting of biodegradable pouches, sachets, wrappers and bottles.

10. The biological air purifier (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said adsorbent (102) is assembled in a biodegradable receptacle.

1 1 . The biological air purifier (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein said biodegradable receptacle is selected from a group consisting of biodegradable pouches, sachets, wrappers and bottles.

12. The biological air purifier (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said adsorbent (102) is provided in a form of a solid porous material, powder, gel, spray, cake, card, filter, wearable masks or a combination thereof.

13. The biological air purifier (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said adsorbent (102) is provided in a form of a solid porous material, powder, gel, spray, cake, card, filter, wearable masks or a combination thereof.

14. The biological air purifier (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said plurality of natural biomaterials is derived from lignocellulosic waste and marine biowaste.

15. The biological air purifier (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein said lignocellulosic waste is selected from a group consisting of non-edible plant parts, plant waste, fruit waste, vegetable waste and a combination thereof.

16. The biological air purifier (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein said marine biowaste is selected from a group consisting of aquaculture waste, farms waste, seafood waste, weeds, aquatic plants and a combination thereof.

17. The biological air purifier (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said microbial biomass is selected from a group consisting of live biomass of non-pathogenic and safe microbes.

18. The biological air purifier (100) as claimed in claim 17, wherein said non-pathogenic and safe microbes are selected from a group consisting of bacteria, fungi, algae and a combination thereof.

19. The biological air purifier (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said microbial biomass is selected from a group consisting of live inactivated biomass of non-pathogenic and safe microbes.

20. The biological air purifier (100) as claimed in claim 19, wherein said non-pathogenic and safe microbes are selected from a group consisting of bacteria, fungi, algae and a combination thereof.

21 . A method (200) for manufacturing a biological air purifier (100), comprising the steps of:

providing (202) plurality of natural biomaterials; and

forming (204) an adsorbent (102) from said plurality of natural biomaterials.

22. The method (200) as claimed in claim 21 , further comprising the steps of:

cultivating microbial cells in a growth media;

harvesting said microbial cells to obtain a microbial biomass;

drying said microbial biomass at a predetermined temperature; and combining said plurality of natural biomaterials and said microbial biomass to form said adsorbent (102).

23. The method (200) as claimed in claim 21 , wherein said plurality of natural biomaterials is derived from lignocellulosic waste and marine biowaste.

24. The method (200) as claimed in claim 23, wherein said lignocellulosic waste is selected from a group consisting of non-edible plant parts, plant waste, fruit waste, vegetable waste and a combination thereof.

25. The method (200) as claimed in claim 23, wherein said marine biowaste is selected from a group consisting of aquaculture waste, farms waste, seafood waste, weeds, aquatic plants and a combination thereof.

26. The method (200) as claimed in claim 22, wherein said microbial cells are selected from a group consisting of live cells of non-pathogenic and safe microbes.

27. The method (200) as claimed in claim 26, wherein said non-pathogenic and safe microbes are selected from a group consisting of bacteria, fungi, algae and a combination thereof.

28. The method (200) as claimed in claim 22, wherein said microbial cells are selected from a group consisting of live inactivated cells of non-pathogenic and safe microbes.

29. The method (200) as claimed in claim 28, wherein said non-pathogenic and safe microbes are selected from a group consisting of bacteria, fungi, algae and a combination thereof.

30. The method (200) as claimed in claim 22, wherein said predetermined temperature is in the range of 40°C to 60°C.

31 . The method (200) as claimed in claim 21 , wherein said adsorbent (102) is provided in a form of a solid porous material, powder, gel, spray, cake, card, filter, wearable masks or a combination thereof.

32. The method (200) as claimed in claim 22, wherein said adsorbent (102) is provided in a form of a solid porous material, powder, gel, spray, cake, card, filter, wearable masks or a combination thereof.